[Elecraft] Does the K3(S) need occasional realignment?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

While repairing  quite a number of ham radios for others over the years, 
I've made a tidy bit of money repairing radios where hams thought they 
needed "touching up" with regard to alignments.  {If it isn't broke, 
don't try to fix it.}

First, one should use some means and related test and measurement 
equipment to determine "if a radio needs alignment".   In other words, 
if one can't determine if it needs alignment, it probably does not need 
alignment.   Just to jump in an start tweaking coils and trimmers has 
put a lot of money in my pocket.  [In fact, I purchased a new loaded K3S 
with other hams money. :-) ]

Just a word for the wise.......... I have radios which are 20 to 30 
years old which haven't been aligned since ex-factory.  They still meet 
specs and thus do not need alignment today.   Now, if one has replaced 
parts due to a failure, one should determine if any alignment is 
required and if so, proceed.   Just be sure you have correct procedures 
and required and calibrated test equipment.

73

Bob, K4TAX